How can a hormone imbalance effect your skin and what can be done about it:

A decline of estrogen during menopause is one of the things that accelerate skin aging.

Skin changes that occur, as we get older:

• Dehydration:

• Cell turn over slows down

• Decreased sebum production

• Skin loses moisture trans-epidermal (water moisture loss) we can keep this from happening by having monthly professional treatments along with a good home maintenance routine.

• Collagen:

• Decrease in total skin collagen

• Structure of skin collapse & wrinkles start to appear

• Elastin:

• Elastin fibers decrease & the skin becomes loose

• Do the pinch finger test & see for your self

• Melanocyte:

• As we age we produce less Melanocyte cells. Melanocyte cells protect our skin from the sun.

• Uneven pigmentation is more noticeable, because of the damage from years back.

Symptoms: Sooner or later

• Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Are brownish yellow, sometimes slightly raised spots that may start to appear on the skin after menopause?

• Solar Keratosis:

• Sunspots start to appear on the backs of the hand & face, or any part of the body exposed to the sun.

• Chloasma:

• Blotches of pale-brown pigmentation on the face are called Chloasma. They sometimes develop in pregnancy, & occasionally the patches become fused together, forming the mask of pregnancy. They can also appear after use of the contraceptive pill & at menopause. The pigmentation is aggravated by sunlight & may be a reaction to hormone replacement therapy.

Ingredients that Help

• Antioxidants

• Vitamin A & C

• Antioxidants have the ability to protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals.

• Hydroxy Acids

• Alpha & Beta

• Salicylic Acid

• Lactic Acid

• Hydroxy Acids smooth out the appearance of fine dry lines, wrinkles, & pigmentation by dissolving the intercellular glue that holds skin cells together.

• Skin Lighteners

• Vitamin C

• Lactic Acid * needs to be 5% to make a noticeable difference.

• Skin Lighteners contain active ingredients to even out skin tone & fade pigmentation.

• Sun blocks

• Titanium Dioxide * a physical sun block that is ideal for sensitive skin

• Zinc Oxide * a non chemical sun block

• Avobenzone * a chemical sun block on the label it will state Parsol 1789

• It is important to provide maximum protection from UV exposure

Maintaining Hormone Balance

• Eat fresh, unprocessed foods:

• These foods contain all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Unprocessed foods do not contain additives, coloring, sugar, preservatives or refined white flour. Refined gains such as corn, rice, or wheat act like glue in the digestive system and interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

• Whole Foods:

• Fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and beans.

• Avoid Hydrogenated Oils:

• Refined vegetable oils such as safflower, corn oil, partially hydrogenated oils.

• Add fish to your diet:

• Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Great types of fish to eat are the cold-water, deep-sea fish such as cod, salmon or mackerel. Albacore tuna is good, just be cautious to the mercury it can accumulate.

• Exercise

• Walking, yoga, strength training are all good ways to help with maintaining the hormonal balance within your body. Exercise is a great way to relive stress too.

• Rest

• A good night sleep can help to rebalance the body internally. And it will show on your skin as well.